Development of connection systems for round bamboo structures

It is estimated that over 1 billion people around the world live in bamboo housing, mainly in developing countries in the tropics and subtropics. Over the past 20 years, increasingly ambitious structures are being built across the world including foot-bridges and schools, with scant guidance from standards and codes. This research project is framed in the context of developing bamboo standards, for which the first step is deemed to be the development of strength grading procedures, which Coventry University is currently pioneering. The next step is the development of structural design theory, of which connection design forms a fundamental part. Methods would include, but are not limited to dowelled connections.
Bamboo’s appeal as a structural material includes its remarkable strength, sustainability and low-cost. The techniques or methods that are developed need to be sufficiently reliable to justify their adoption, yet not so costly that makes their adoption unlikely. Due to the geographical distribution of bamboo for structural applications, travel is likely to be required.

About the host Centre/Department:
The school of Energy, Construction and Environment and the Centre for Low Impact Buildings has an established reputation in materials and structures research, offering arguably the largest structures laboratory in the West Midlands and excellent links to industry. The project counts with all the necessary research equipment and materials (including bamboo) and test facilities. The candidate can draw from expertise from the department and beyond, including TRADA (the timber research and development association) and INBAR (international network for bamboo and rattan). The applicant will benefit also from international travel opportunities funded partially or totally by the university.

Candidate Specification:
Entry criteria for applicants to PHD (standard)
A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

In the event of a first degree classification of less than 2:1, a Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).
or
• a taught Masters degree in a relevant discipline, involving a dissertation of standard length written in English in the relevant subject area with a minimum of a merit profile: 60% overall module average and a minimum of a 60% dissertation mark
PLUS
• the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a three-year period of study
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)
In all cases the most recent and highest qualification attained will be that utilised for assessment purposes

Additional items for candidate specification:
Candidates must have a good knowledge and experience in structural engineering, particularly structural design. It is desirable that candidates have some knowledge and/or experience in timber or bamboo engineering.
Candidates must have some experience in experimental work and of working in a laboratory. It is desirable that candidates can evidence their commitment to research in the form of publications of some kind (for example journal or conference papers).
Candidates should have some knowledge of statistics and data analysis. In order to contextualise the research, it is desirable that candidates have some experience about Humanitarian Engineering, appropriate technologies, international development or aid.

How to apply:
Application form, full supporting documentation and covering letter only

Start date: January 2016

This studentship opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed- an early application is therefore recommended

Enquiries may be addressed to David Trujillo
[Email Address Removed]
+44 (0)797 498 4678